We are now on the threshold of an era in which
globalization is the order of the day. A time period in which small state
nations like my country, the Bahamas, must compete within the framework of a
Free Trade Area of the Americas Agreement. This presents unique challenges.
These challenges position us a nation to think outside of the box. We have to
move away from traditional revenue potential to new and untried areas for our
success in the 21st century.
Education is the key for our unlocking the door of
opportunity. There are many wonderful academic institutions in this state that
demonstrate how significant the rewards of being educated bring. The Caribbean
continues to build on this philosophy of trying to instill in its citizens the
need for higher learning and levels of education. It is no secret that
education is paramount to nation building. In our region, we have institutions,
which continue to work toward uplifting our people. These institutions need the
support their American counterparts to elevate them to the first world through
research and technology.
The economic well being of our people is heavily
dependent on the degree to which we are able to educate our people. I believe
that this state will be well served with the caliber of candidates offering for
office and will be better off for it.
Integrity must be watchword of all who govern.
Without integrity, criminality is imminent. We need the help of countries like
the United State of America to build our education base so that we can be more
productive as a people. We have the courage to embrace education as the
foundation through which we can emulate the good that America has accomplished
and follow in those successful pursuits. Access to elected officials is a
critical issue in being effective at governing. I got elected as Member of
Parliament in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas through politics. It is politics
that will keep me there. While, my constituents expect me to be a professional
and produce results, they want me to be a politician and fulfill their needs as
they see it. This does not suggest nor do I intimate that politicians are to be
wishy-washy or without purpose or vision and are to be poll followers for every
decision. I am suggesting that the people want elected officials who reflect
the majority of the views that they would like to see implemented from a policy
position. This is indeed a concept if understood would most certainly guarantee
re-election. For it is in understanding the electorate that we are able to govern
with precise results that reflect what the governed want.
In the Bahamas, we have been firmly committed to
democracy and continue to operate on that premise. My government has a specific
mandate that states security, opportunity and prosperity for all.
Today, I am sure that you feel proud of the nation
that is regarded as the democracy of democracies in the world. The People of
the Bahamas are committed to many of your programs and believe in democracy.
Our democratic history dates back as far as 1729. With this background, we face
the future with confidence as a new generation of leaders takes over, even
though there are many difficult challenges ahead.
Our confidence also
derives from the knowledge that we have good friends, such as the people of New
Hampshire. As we grow as a developing nation that is less than 45 minutes from
the State of Florida, we will savor the lessons we have learnt here from our
most powerful ally in the Western Hemisphere, the United State of America.
There are so many people around the world who do not
enjoy the rights and privileges that we enjoy in a free society. Leaders of
today must be challenged to not only assume the high offices to which they
aspire, but transform the lives of those whom they represent and seek to
influence those who do not now enjoy this privilege we call democracy.
The State of New Hampshire has a rich heritage to
which many Americans are able to be proud of. Indeed, we are blessed as people
in the Western world to be free and to enjoy the ability to be pro-life or
pro-choice. Our neighbor off the coasts of the Bahamas and Florida – Cuba is
not able to say that. We have a duty as citizens of a free world to right the
wrongs that have disabled so many and fight for justice, liberty and freedom
for all.
As we move forward in the twenty-first century, the
challenges of fiscal prudence, increased trade of goods and services,
environmental sensitivity, anti-terrorism and racial harmony will continue to
be atop many agendas. Will we be able to tell our children and our children’s
children that we did the best we could?
Good governance leads to better nation building. As
Election Day gets closer, I encourage you to strive towards good governance
with greater accessibility to the citizen. For it is through the building of
this relationship between the citizen and the elected official, great things
are accomplished for the good of all. I thank you and God Bless you all.